"An excellent warm, very dry autumn paved the way for a superb 2001 vintage. On the nose there ís a treasure trove of seductive aromas - sweet summer plums, plump black cherries, hints of coffee/chocolate and exotic spice. The texture is firm, with fine-grained yet sinewy, supple tannin supporting and balancing the characteristic Ata Rangi opulence and rich, lingering flavours. Older vintages show truffles and violets and an earthy, hedonistic, gamey complexity. Well cellared, this wine will also reward as the more savoury nuances evolve and it will undoubtedly be even more beguiling, more alluring after 4 or 5 years."